In college, as we start to become adults, it’s natural to want to start taking on adult responsibilities. And when I say that, I’m not talking about getting a job, or doing taxes. I’m talking about deciding you want a pet. You see people walking around campus with their dogs, or maybe one of your friends has a cat at their apartment, and you really want a pet of your own.

But what should you get? Dogs and cats are the favorite, and are both incredibly fun and friendly animals, but are hard pets to have in college, or even if you just graduated. They can both be needy and expensive. Vet bills can hike up high, especially when you have student loans to pay. You want something that can do well in your life, and probably something a little bit more exciting than a fish.

Have you considered a lizard? While unusual, these might be the pets you were looking for.

1. Hypoallergenic

While cats and dogs may not be good pets for those who are allergic to pet dander, lizards are a perfect solution. They have scales, no fur, and no pet dander, meaning that those with allergies can have these guys with no worries.

2. Diverse

There are lots of types of lizards to start with. When getting one as a pet, you can get anything from a gecko, to a chameleon, to a bearded dragon. Each type has different traits and different needs, but all of them are guaranteed to be interesting pets. The sheer diversity of the types of lizards you can get might be overwhelming, but it also gives you a range in which you’re almost guaranteed to find a lizard that fits your life.

3. Low maintenance

Most lizards don’t have a lot of needs, and won’t take too much work to take care of. As long as you get them a good size tank, the maintenance of your pet is easy. Cleaning their tank, feeding them whatever critters they need, and making sure they’re warm are the main concerns. Other than that, they don’t need a whole lot else. You don’t have to walk them or play with them (unless you want to).

4. Small / good for apartments

In general, lizards aren’t terribly large. Some species, such as the red tagu, can get pretty big, but other than that, most of the species you’ll find can fit into the palm of your hand. That, combined with the fact that they just need a decent size tank to live in, makes them the perfect apartment pet.

5. Colorful

No matter what type of lizard you get, they come in a wide array of colors, of any color you can think of. No other pet will give you this range of colors and designs.

6. Unique

Lizards are cool and unique pets, that not a lot of people have. While dogs and cats are fairly common, lizards are something that you don’t see as often. You’ll be getting a more interesting and rare pet than most of your friends will have.

7. Friendly

Most species of lizards are fairly friendly, and some specific ones even love being around people and can have a close bond with their owner. If you do your research, you can make sure that your new best friend will love being around you just as much as you love being around them.

8. Chill

Lizards, in general, are pretty laid back. Most are content laying in a sunny spot in their tank all day and sleeping for hours. They don’t need a whole lot of attention, and can just chill with you, and do whatever you’re doing. As long as they’re comfy, they can do whatever.

9. Fun to watch

While most lizards like to sleep and chill, they’re fun to watch when they decided to be active. Their walking, eating, and hunting patterns are fascinating to watch. Especially if you get a couple, they tend to interact with each other in pretty cool ways.

10. They’re just cool

Finally, they’re just cool pets. While cats and dogs are loyal and fun, lizards are weird and have a bunch of really cool traits. Some have horns, some have cool claws, and some can regrow their tails if lost. No matter what type you get, it’ll have its own interesting features and cool characteristics that you’ll love getting to know.